A great save - but not the best in 40 years say Stags fans

Jamal Blackman is finally beaten by Matt Green last weekend.

John Lomas

Although impressed with his save, Mansfield Town fans seem united in thinking Jamal Blackman’s stoppage time save on Saturday wasn’t the best seen at Field Mill for over 40 years.

Stags expert Martin Shaw described the save, which denied Stags a late win over Wycombe on Saturday as the best he’d seen at Field Mill since Rod Arnold against Cambridge United in 1975.

The imposing 6ft 6ins Chelsea stopper showed why he is on wages of £676,000 a year with a flying save to his left to deny Darius Henderson.

We put up a video of the save from behind the goal – click HERE to see it – and asked what you thought.

Shaw had recalled: “The Arnold save was in the 74/75 season in the FA Cup third round against Cambridge at Field Mill in January 1975. Mansfield won 1-0. It was a shot towards the bottom right corner of the net

“Arnold got down to his left and scooped it out – the best save I’ve seen by a Stags keeper. The Chad’s Stan Searl also called it ‘the save of the season’.”

However, Stagman1966 said: “Looking at that, I would have said that it’s a good job that the keeper saved the shot, to save his own blushes!

“He followed the ball too far to the right hand side of his goal, leaving the left hand side exposed.

“He stretched well to push it wide, but it was poor positioning by the keeper in the first place.

“I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t even make the top 10 best saves at Field Mill, if we were able to analyse them all. Unfortunately most are not on record like modern games.”

Calstag said: “It was a good save but not a worldie,” while Amber Andy agreed: “No. I can’t be specific, but I am sure Alan Marriott made some equally as good.”

Richardstag said: “I’m sure Studer made a save better than the one on Saturday in one of his very few home games.”

Rob said: “Pilko made a stunning save back-tracking in the QLE, that was fantastic, can’t remember who against. Sir Rod also made a great save v Sheff Wed in t’70s.

“It was the game with the massive attendance, 16k I think. Save was in the QLE, I was in front of Bishop stood on that ledge just behind the barrier.

“It was to Rod’s right and going in the top corner. My grandad said at the time it was the best save he’d ever seen.”

Martin Shaw searched out the report for Mansfield 1, Sheff Wed 1 on 15 March 1980 (Att 16,109) and quoted Chad’s Stan Searl as saying: “And the contribution of Rod Arnold must not be ignored, for his magnificent save from Terry Curran in the 75th minute was a decisive factor.”

Sneag said his favourite was: “Rod Arnold v Crystal Palace 76/77 - likened to Bank’s save from Pele in the 70 World Cup. Sadly no blanket TV coverage back then.”

Cassellswasmagic’s choice was: “Cox in goal v Sheff Utd. He was flat on his back and Brian Deane headed the ball from five yards out, Cox somehow put his arm up and saved it - unless I dreamt it. Think United won 4-0 around the 90s.”

Bellwhiff said: “There’s been loads better by Stags keepers over the years. Mazza made some better stops in the Conf. I really regret we weren’t able to say a proper goodbye to Mazza.”

Vice President commented: “I remember Rod Arnold’s save against Sheffield Wednesday - it is the best save I have ever seen at Field Mill. (I didn’t see his save against Cambridge).

“Rod Arnold seemed to pull off a brilliant save in almost every game. But, more significantly, he hardly ever made a mistake and he made a lot of appearances. “The best keeper Mansfield has ever had in my opinion.”

Tibby added: “When we played Sunderland at home in the cup, think it was league cup, Mart Poom saved a Corden free kick. I’ve never seen a better save than that at Field Mill,” while Northern Stag said: “I recall watching BBC sport when Stags were playing Bolton away and they went across to the match reporter who said Rod Arnold had made a save similar to the one Gordon Banks made in 1970 world cup from Pele.

“Don’t know the year or whether it was league or cup but I think we lost the game 2-0.”